Families

Usually where our first relationships begin… Family is a group of two or more people who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption. What is Family? Some groups who do not meet the family definition may still fulfill the functions of a family. Providing guidance, comfort and affection

 Nuclear family: married couple with/without children  Extended family/Cross-Generational Families: Other relatives live with nuclear family. Aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents etc…  Blended family: some may include friends, foster family, step families.  Single parent family: One parent living with children.  Traditional family: Father bread winner, Mom is homemaker (only about 8% of all families) Definitions of Family

 Living alone  Cohabitation  Couple with no children  Divorced adults  Single parent families  Step families  Adoptive/foster/legal guardians  Grandparents living with family or raising grandchildren  “Boomerang” families – children move back in Family Types

 Beginning stage – Couple marries/sets up a home.  Expanding stage – Children arrive, long stage that will continue throughout child's development.  Developing stage – Children start school, kids are gaining independence.  Launching stage – First child leaves home  Aging stage - Retirement Family Life Cycle

Not every family follows the stages in order Some families skip, overlap, or repeat stages Variations in the Cycle

 Procreation – Today smaller families  Physical– Provide food, shelter, clothing and safety  Emotional care – love, acceptance and support  Socialization – Teaching them to fit into society Functions of Families

 Values, moral  Culture and traditions  Self concept  How to solve problems/conflict resolution  Commitment to family is first  Each member must contribute  Change is possible  How to make a decision  communication What should a child learn in a family?

 Father  Mother  Siblings  Grandparents Family Roles?

 We belong to two families in our lifetime:  Family of origin: you were the child  Family of procreation: you are the parent Assignment of Social Roles and Status (Identity)

 Love and closeness  Offer continuity in emotional attachments, rights and obligations  Close proximity which facilitates cooperation and communication  Abiding familiarity with other. Can know ourselves and others well  Economic benefits Why live in a Family?

 Appreciation – notice the less obvious things, express appreciation often  Kindness – tends to be catching  Communication – listen so others will talk, talk so others will listen  Time together – plan it, don’t wait to find it, need quantity to have quality  Values and standards – communicate them clearly, follow them consistently Characteristics of a strong Family

 Strictness & permissiveness – firm, fair, and friendly  Problem solving – look for solutions, not for blame  Traditions – give a sense of identity  Fun & laughter – plan it, use props, bring home jokes  Sharing – responsibility and belongings Characteristics of a strong Family

Effects of Technology

Directions: Create a comic strip showing each stage of the family life cycle. You will need to draw at least one frame for each stage (minimum of 5 frames). You will also need to create a little bio for your family. Your bio needs to include the following: Type of family (nuclear, extended, etc.), names, ages, and basic roles they provide in the family. Activity